Susan Poag/The Times-PicayuneMike James finds solace in Coach Byron Scott considering him for playing time this season after James averaged just 8.7 minutes per game last season.

After playing efficiently for 29 minutes Sunday against Golden State, Mike James appeared as if he did not meet his objective.

Instead of focusing on his 12 points and five assists, he spoke about the importance of avoiding a drop-off that could diminish his chances of earning the backup point guard spot.

After an extensive eight-day training camp and the exhibition opener, Hornets Coach Byron Scott has not declared a frontrunner among James, Devin Brown and free agent Jared Jordan.

Yet, for the remainder of the six-game exhibition schedule, Scott plans to evaluate everything they do, from shots made to deflecting passes on the defensive end.

With playing time at stake behind star point guard Chris Paul, all three guards are pushing to make an impact. Another opportunity comes tonight when the Hornets play the Indiana Pacers at the Pepsi Coliseum.

"These games are important, and I'm just trying to put myself in a situation to be an asset instead of a liability," James said. "This is a business. This is my job and what I get paid to do. So I rather be on the court earning my dollar than sitting on the bench. I've put myself in a situation that at least now Coach is thinking about having me in the rotation."

Although James will get most of his minutes at point guard, Scott wants to get a longer look at Brown playing there instead of shooting guard, which is where he played against the Warriors.

Scott used a rotation Sunday that had James and Brown paired in the backcourt. Also, Scott said Jordan will play tonight after not leaving the bench against Golden State.

When former Hornets guard Jannero Pargo signed a contract this summer to play for a professional team in Russia, it appeared the Hornets' most glaring weakness this season would be at backup point guard.

"I think we all know Mike is a good player and Devin, as well," Scott said. "Jared has played extremely well in camp and has held his own. The biggest thing I was wondering was how they will do in a game situation, and will they fit in to what we're trying to do."

Since the opening day of camp, James has been assertive on defense and more efficient in making perimeter shots. The Hornets obtained James from the Houston Rockets last February in a deal that included Bonzi Wells, who was not re-signed.

James, who averaged 8.7 minutes last season, was unable to move ahead of Pargo in the rotation. Despite the limited time, James is the fourth-highest paid player on the Hornets' roster, set to earn $6 million. If he does not opt out of his contract next year, he will make $6.4 million.

"It's fun being on the basketball court, but it's not fun being a spectator, unless you are a fan," James said. "I understand that it is coach's decision on who he is going to play and what his rotation is going to be.

"Now I've come out with a clear mind and just understanding that this is a new start, new season and what happened in the past is why they call it that because nobody really remembers it. One thing in this league, you are only as good as your last game."

Unlike James, Brown did not shoot well vs. Golden State, going 4-of-14 from the field and finishing with eight points. Brown, however, grabbed seven rebounds and was an effective perimeter defender.

For a brief stretch during Tuesday's scrimmage at the Alario Center, Brown guarded James and caused him twice to quickly make a pass.

It appears Brown is more suited to play shooting guard, but when Paul severely sprained his ankle in Dec. 2006, Brown effectively played point guard. Brown re-signed with the Hornets after playing last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"I'm just getting back into the flow of things," Brown said. "But it doesn't matter if he wants me to run the (point guard). I'll do that. I just want to play and get up and down. I feel like everything is going fine."

Overall tonight, Scott wants to see improvement defensively that involves getting out quicker on the perimeter and anticipating passes better in the post. In the first quarter against the Warriors, the Hornets allowed 55-percent shooting.

Scott said starting center Tyson Chandler, who sprained his right ankle Sunday, could play. Scott plans to switch his frontcourt rotation, with Melvin Ely entering the game before Hilton Armstrong, who scored 14 points against the Warriors.

Forward Rasual Butler is expected to play after missing Sunday's game with a strained groin. He participated in the past two practices. Forward Sean Marks is questionable with a strained calf.

John Reid can be reached at jreid@timespicayune.com or at (504) 826-3405.